RECLAIMING THE NEIGHBORHOOD

THE SITUATION There are over 3000 homes in our once vibrant northeast Detroit neighborhood called Regent Park. 20% or nearly 600 of these homes have fallen into disrepair, been abandoned, torn down or are occupied by drug dealers or squatters. Many remaining residents live next door to these houses or vacant lots. Criminal activities skyrocketed for many years.

OUR GOAL is to lead the fight against blight, slum landlords, criminal activities and other acts of injustice and oppression while restoring 100 homes by 2020. Our approach includes engaging other like-minded leaders to help with this reclamation so that the entire Regent Park neighborhood will once again be a safe, affordable community to live and raise children.

Programs and activities focused on Reclaiming the Neighborhood include:

2014 completion of Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan by University of Michigan, School of Urban Planning

2018 completion of University of Michigan study of Kelly Rd. Retail Corridor

Acquisition and restoration of 40 homes and 16 apartment units to date

LifeBUILDERS-managed housing offering safe and affordable homes

Conversion of abandoned elementary school block into new recreation and play space and a new State of the Art Early Childhood Education Center.

Community Block Club & Radio patrol led by residents

Creation of community gardens and green spaces

Partnership with other organizations to accelerate our redevelopment efforts

Designation by Wayne County and City of Detroit as Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)